Middy’s first diesel day

Although no diesel locomotive ever ran on the MSLR in a revenue earning capacity, the railway does already have two Ruston & Hornsby engines in the collection.

Rarely used on public open days, this will be an opportunity for visitors to see the other side of the Middy’s motive power in action. For Middy historians and enthusiasts, the most relevant is the ‘baby’ Ruston, as it is an example of the only diesel loco known to have run on on the line, although sadly it was the contractors loco brought in for lifting the track in 1953. However we hope to be using our 48 during the process of relaying track during the extension project.

Built in 1951 for the West Midlands Gas Board, the Ruston 165 has been our shunter and shed pilot for a number of years and is vacuum fitted so it can be used for  passenger train duty.

These two will now be joined by new arrival ‘The Shredded Wheat Shunter’ (see separate news item) for the Middy’s first Diesel Day.

But steam fans are not forgotten and another run of guest locomotive ‘Sirapite’ is also scheduled.